Indiana Paralegals on AI, litigation and career growth

Indiana paralegals Monica D. Dabio and Dawn Edmondson explain how litigation work, AI tools and professional networks shape a career built on research, organization and problem-solving. Dabio, a paralegal at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP and past president of the Indiana Paralegal Association, and Edmondson, a paralegal at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP and president of the association, trace the different paths that brought them into the profession. They describe the appeal of digging into case facts, learning new industries and using technology to manage increasingly complex litigation. Their work can include collecting and reviewing documents, tracking deadlines, preparing deposition materials, drafting discovery, organizing exhibits and supporting evidence presentation at trial. They also explain how AI is being used for deposition summaries, audio transcription, research and comparisons of witness and exhibit lists, while stressing the need for human review, security vetting and training. The conversation also looks at the Indiana Paralegal Association's role in networking, continuing education, student outreach and career development. Dabio and Edmondson discuss internships, legal assistant roles and other ways new paralegals can gain experience, plus how professional relationships can open doors throughout a career. They also preview IPA's annual silent auction benefiting Outside the Box Inc., and explain how members and prospective members can connect through monthly meetings, the association's job bank and volunteer committees.